'Genius' Ronaldo claims Best record

MANCHESTER, England: Cristiano Ronaldo was hailed as a footballing "genius" after the Portugal winger eclipsed George Best as the highest-scoring winger in Manchester United's history and helped edge the Red Devils closer to another English title.

Ronaldo took his United scoring tally for the season to a remarkable 33 goals after hitting the net twice as Sir Alex Ferguson's side defeated Bolton 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United, which entertains fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday, is now a clear favorite to retain the Premier League title after opening up a three-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with eight games to play.

Ronaldo went past Best's record of 32 goals in a single season - set in 1967-68 - with two fabulous first-half strikes, an opportunist finish from 12 yards followed by a stunning 30-yard freekick.

"The second goal was genius," said Bolton boss Gary Megson, whose side is in deep relegation trouble after losing its last five Premier League games.

"I honestly don't know how he does it. Even my lads were talking about it."

Ferguson was equally glowing in his praise of Ronaldo, who he made captain for the night in the absence of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.

"He didn't make a big issue of it," said Ferguson when asked how Ronaldo reacted to being handed the captain's armband.

"He looks comfortable with the responsibility that comes with the role. It was a marvelous second goal."

Ferguson regards Ronaldo as a worthy successor to the legendary Best. "It speaks volumes of the boy's ability (the record)," he said. "It's amazing that he can do that playing in the position he does. Nobody can do that in this day and age.

"The freekick was marvelous. He does put in the practice and he has this technique."

Ferguson had bemoaned his side's "charitable" finishing before this game yet he need not have worried.

After seeing his side struggle to overcome doomed Derby County four days earlier, and having been eliminated from the FA Cup the previous weekend, Ferguson had demanded his players rediscover their touch in front of goal.

The message was heeded by Ronaldo as he notched his 23rd and 24th league goals of the campaign, but Ferguson insisted the title race remained open even though his side is in pole position.

"The important thing was that we had the opportunity and the incentive to go three points clear of Arsenal, our nearest pursuers," the Scot said.

"It's nip and tuck now. I think it's going to go to the wire. Chelsea will be key because they have got us and Arsenal at home.

"It's a lead, it's not a significant lead but it's a lead nonetheless.

"With eight games to go the team who plays with the most consistency now will win it."

Ferguson made seven changes from the side that struggled to beat Derby and revealed that he had been looking at options ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool.

Gerard Pique came in for the injured Rio Ferdinand while Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs were all rested.

"It was not a great performance but it was necessary to make those changes as Rio Ferdinand is doubtful for Sunday with a back problem," Ferguson said.

"I had to find out about Gerard Pique. We've got great confidence in the lad and he's come through very well.

"They are all top players so you have to put your faith and trust in them.

"At times we were a bit relaxed in the second half but when we speeded up the game and played with great penetration at times we could have scored a few more goals."

AFP

(China Daily 03/21/2008 page22)